Reports in British media over the weekend suggested strongly that behind the scenes meetings were taking place this week to resolve whether or not this season would be the last of the Heineken Cup.
Three scheduled meetings of the Board of European Rugby Cup Limited have so far failed to come up with a solution that satisfies the clubs of England and France who are pressing for a greater say in a streamlined competition of at least four clubs less than has been the case.
Some of the coverage does talk of France’s ‘iron grip’ on the tournament which may come as something of a surprise to fans of the Irish provinces, but regardless to sense or nonsense put into print, change appears inevitable.
ERC Limited has signed an exclusive contract for broadcast rights to the competition with Sky. The Aviva Premiership in England has done likewise with the new BT Sport suite of channels.
Given the large crowds that will attend Twickenham and the Aviva Stadium next weekend there is clearly a passion among fans for the tournament.
Add in the financial value it brings into the sport there are clear and present reasons why a deal must be brokered but it is likely that such a deal will favour the bigger and more powerful clubs whose primary interest is in their own domestic competitions.
With Jonathon Sexton leaving for France at the end of this season, the possibility of a greater exodus of players in pursuit of bigger pay cheques is now encroaching on rugby.
Uncertainty over the structure of the sport at the top of club rugby has undoubtedly had an impact on Munster’s search for a primary sponsor to replace Toyota, as well as on the likely transfer of Joe Schmidt from Leinster to Ireland.
While change would strengthen the RaboDirect Pro 12 as a tournament among players and fans, it would put at risk much of the cross sport appeal that Rugby has built over the past decade.
A solution of some description is badly needed and is likely to come before the Heineken Cup Final here in a little under four weeks time.
What the solution will look like will be of great interest to players, fans, clubs and sponsors alike.
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The Future of the Heineken Cup
